Alerts
The alerts on these pages are based on the monitoring of publicly available data. While some alerts reference false claims, others are included to indicate gaps in knowledge, concerns, speculation, and other trending narratives. Inclusion in reporting is based on reach and velocity of spread and on whether conversations may impact health behaviors and decisions.
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AAP childhood vaccine schedule drives debate about safety and necessity
Medium Impact
On January 26, the American Academy of Pediatrics released an updated childhood vaccine schedule. The guidance is largely unchanged from…
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Lead CDC vaccine adviser’s comments on vaccine requirements spark concern
Medium Impact
In a January 22 podcast interview, the chair of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee stated his opinion that all vaccines…
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Posts discuss climate change and AI following a UN report on “water bankruptcy”
Low Impact
A January 20 United Nations report suggests that the planet has entered an era of “water bankruptcy.” The report states…
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Extreme cold fuels online conversations about safety and climate change
Low Impact
As many U.S. states experience extreme cold and snow, some social media users are discussing severe weather events and their…
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Posts debate natural immunity as South Carolina’s measles outbreak expands
Medium Impact
On January 20, South Carolina health officials confirmed 88 new measles cases over the weekend, bringing the state’s total to…
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Child flu deaths spark concern about low vaccine uptake
Medium Impact
Online posts continue to debate the effectiveness and safety of flu vaccines amid reports of unvaccinated children dying and being…
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Experts and parents express concern as CDC overhauls childhood vaccine schedule
High Impact
On January 5, the CDC reduced the number of vaccines it recommends for children from 17 to 11. The change…
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Surge in flu cases fuels debate about vaccine effectiveness
Medium Impact
Over the winter holiday, online conversations about influenza and annual flu vaccination surged as severe cases and hospitalizations rose nationwide.…
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Experts decry fentanyl’s designation as a “weapon of mass destruction”
Low Impact
On December 15, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction. Drug Enforcement Administration…
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Posts accuse the FDA of sowing doubt about COVID-19 vaccine safety
Medium Impact
On December 10, the Food and Drug Administration announced an investigation into deaths allegedly related to COVID-19 vaccines “across multiple…
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Vaccine opponents have mixed response to FDA’s safety review of RSV immunizations
Medium Impact
On December 9, the Food and Drug Administration announced a safety review of two RSV immunizations for infants—despite no safety…
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Debate erupts over CDC advisors’ vote to end universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth
High Impact
On December 5, the CDC’s vaccine advisory group voted to end a decades-long recommendation to vaccinate newborns against hepatitis B…
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Study about adolescent smartphone use sparks debate about mental health
Low Impact
A December study found that children who have their own smartphone by age 12 are more likely to experience negative…
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FDA COVID-19 vaccine memo raises concern over unsupported safety claims
High Impact
On November 28, the FDA’s top vaccine regulator claimed in a staff memo that COVID-19 vaccines are linked to “no…
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Vaccine opponents cheer controversial health official’s appointment to CDC leadership
Low Impact
Louisiana’s surgeon general, who made headlines in February for ending the state’s vaccination campaigns, has been appointed as the CDC’s…
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EPA’s changing stance on “forever chemicals” and soot pollution sparks concern
Medium Impact
In November, the Environmental Protection Agency approved the use of two pesticides that contain PFAS, or so-called “forever chemicals,” which…